A good carpenter / cabinet maker could build a small cabinet out to the wall and stain it to match. I have successfully added new pieces to my kitchen and stained to match similar cabinets. I think rantontoo has a good point about possibly using some of the upper cabinetry - a door and frame - if it is small enough, to face a lower cabinet.

If you ever change out countertops, you might look at relocating the stovetop.

I have a small island in my kitchen. You have plenty of counter space in the rest of the kitchen, so an island seems like overkill, but it could give you some landing space at least close to the stovetop.

Thanks for the feedback

I have similar cabinets - though not a similar kitchen. I did refresh with new counters, backsplash and farm sink. Pictures are in my "my pics" idea book - including my small island. Not sure if there is anything to give you ideas, but it can be hard to find pics of refreshed oak kitchens.

As it's currently set up there's nothing you can change; you have sections. Use the counter across the stove area for your work area. It's your new home, so live with it until you can plan to redo the space for better layout.

Is there no ventilation for the cooktop? Need to address that before you do anything

There is an exhaust above the stove top. Is that what you are referring to?

Lots of money and a sledgehammer will fix just about anything.

Sophie, that's true. We are not looking to spend a lot of money as we plan on refinishing the kitchen in a few years. Looking for ideas till then

Until then? Resign yourself to extreme awkwardness. Pull down the uppers over the peninsula is about it. You could slap paint in them, but it would be a wasted effort. Until the sledgehammer and major structural engineering happens, there ain’t no “fixing” anything. It is what it is.

I would get a narrow kitchen cart to act as extra storage and counter between the stove and the doorway -- you should be able to get one that's 12 inches or so and fits right in there. Then move the trash. Alternatively, a narrow table of the same height, and keep the trash underneath.

https://www.houzz.com/products/dark-espresso-linea-kitchen-cart-with-chrome-accent-prvw-vr~8778226

I ditto acm, get a rolling cart. They're wonderful, in that they can be what you need. i.e. landing place, chopping block, storage unit, etc. ;)

You also can put on a new piece of laminate countertop, if your laminate is still made, that extends to the door without putting anything under it except supports if needed. I do not know how much of an overhang you can have with laminate before it needs extra support but that should be doable. Much will depend on how many years out you are from a remodel.

what acm and beth said - that's what I was going to say.

I'd like to see a picture of the inside of the room. sort of from the point of view of the refrigerator.

I there space for a small table or cart within the room?